Cleaning device

ABSTRACT

A cleaning device for cleaning surfaces comprising a first end adapted to be held by a user, and a second end adapted to have an instantly flushable cleaning member attached thereto, and cleaning member ejection means operable to detach the cleaning member from the second end of the device.

The present invention relates to cleaning devices and particularly,although not exclusively, to toilet cleaning devices.

More specifically, the invention attempts to provide a practicalsolution to problems associated with the use of a conventionalbristle-based toilet brush. A disadvantage of a conventional toiletbrush is that the brush bristles are arranged in groups of individualfilaments in dose proximity, which encourages the collection andretention of soil particles removed from the toilet bowl surface duringcleaning. The task of cleaning the soiled brush, for the user, can beboth difficult and unpleasant. Another disadvantage is that the brush isintended to be re-usable and, over time, the difficulty in cleaning thebristle head, can result in the build up of particles that is bothunsightly and a hygiene risk. This effect also reduces the device'songoing cleaning efficacy, and deters potential user(s) from undertakingrequired cleaning tasks with the tool.

In many cases the brush bristles are attached to the brush head by metalstaples which is problematic because of the corrosive environment of thetoilet Bleach and cleaning chemicals are typically present in the toiletand any of these can cause corrosion of these staples leading tounsightly brown discoloration of the bristles. Furthermore, the standardarrangement of bristles within the brush head has a tendency to retainwater between the individual bristle filaments, when submerged duringuse. As a result, it is not unusual for water which may be soiled, tovisibly collect within the brush holding receptacle in which the brushhead at least is located when not in use.

In an attempt to overcome the problems identified above, severalproposed designs have been documented. Many of these incorporate ahandle having a disposable cleaning “head” which is intended to beflushed away after use. However, problems encountered with such designsinclude the fact that the configuration of the head and the handle aresuch that the user requires a significant amount of dexterity to attachthe two elements together before use as the user has to accurately alignthe head or cleaning member with the end of the handle before attachmentcan be made, and this can be difficult, especially for the elderly orinfirm.

Furthermore in the prior art documents the cleaning head typically has adesign which is unsatisfactory when needing to dean regions of thetoilet which are difficult to reach, for example, underneath a rim of atoilet In addition, following use of such devices, it is necessary forthe user to manually remove the soiled cleaning head from the end of thehandle, which is both unpleasant and very unhygienic. Furthermore, dueto the shape of prior art cleaning heads, the head when disposed of canbe difficult to flush and can even result in blockage of the toilet.

In order to be flushable, the head must pass through the toilet wastepipe, through the sewage pipe system, and arrive at the entrance of thetreatment works without, at any point, causing damage or mechanicalblockage.

Some of the prior art documents rely upon either total, or partial,disintegration/solubility of the cleaning head in water, to allow thehead, and in some cases, an attached handle, to flush away. Thebreakdown rate of water sensitive materials (e.g. short paper fibre) andwater soluble materials (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol) are significantlyaffected by two key factors, i.e. water temperature, and the level andduration of agitation (pressure/stress/time). Additionally, the presenceof certain chemicals in the toilet water, for example bleach andcleaning acids, can also affect the breakdown rate of certain watersensitive materials. These variables, and particularly the inevitablevariation in time involved in each cleaning task which is estimated atbetween approximately ten seconds to about two minutes, make itvirtually impossible to devise one material that will break up preciselyat the end of each toilet cleaning session. Hence, it is clearlyimportant that the material does not breakdown before the task iscompleted, as this premature breakdown is likely to leave residualmaterial in contact with the reusable handle, as well as failing toadequately complete the cleaning task.

Previous designs exist which feature a flushable head that has apocket-like configuration. Such a shape would, material thicknessallowing, fit under the toilet rim. However, this pocket design is basedupon a friction fit arrangement where a straight reusable handle isloaded into one end of the disposable cleaning component This fixingarrangement is common to most prior art designs referred to above. Ithas been noted, however, that such a design has a key limitation. Giventhe restrictions in component size to achieve flushability, the apertureto accept the tip of the reusable handle must also be small, or in thecase of the pocket design, naturally dosed.

In the interest of personal hygiene it is highly desirable that the userdoes not need to make direct contact, or contact in close proximity to,any part of the reusable handle that has made previous contact with asoiled head, or toilet water. It is therefore given that the user willhold only the end of the reusable handle that is intended for grip. Thisnecessitates a level of accuracy and dexterity in component loading thatis believed to be at best awkward, if not unacceptably difficult,without the additional complexity and cost of an automaticloading/guiding mechanism.

The aim of the present invention is therefore to address the aboveproblems and to provide a re-usable cleaning device which is simple touse and hygienic.

It is a further aim of the invention that the cleaning head be instantlyflushable on completion of the cleaning task. Hence, the incorporationof a disposable cleaning head, which offers the maximum amount ofcleaning surface area within the geometric constraints of what is easilyflushable is an aim of the invention.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda cleaning device including a handle adapted to be held by a user, aflushable cleaning member selectively attached thereto via attachmentmeans on the handle, said handle incorporating a cleaning memberejection means operable by the user to detach the cleaning member fromthe handle to allow disposal of the cleaning member after use andwherein the cleaning member has a cleaning surface and an opposingattachment surface and said attachment means attaches to the attachmentsurface of the cleaning member.

In one embodiment the attachment means lies substantially parallel withthe attachment surface of the cleaning member.

Thus there is provided a cleaning device including a handle adapted tobe held by a user, and a flushable cleaning member selectively attachedthereto and wherein said handle incorporates a cleaning member ejectionmeans operable by the user to detach the cleaning member from the handleto allow disposal of the cleaning member.

Typically the cleaning device is used to dean a toilet.

Preferably, the cleaning member is substantially planar. By the term“planar”, we mean the cleaning member has a thin wall thickness betweenopposing first and second surfaces, the first surface provided for thecleaning action and the second surface provided to allow attachment tothe cleaning means handle. Preferably, the cleaning member issubstantially planar at the time of attachment to the handle. Thecleaning member may be flat or curved prior to attachment and in oneembodiment, by attachment, may be moved to a flat or curved condition.

Preferably, the cleaning member is flexible and conformable to thesurface shape which is being cleaned thereby allowing the member toclean all areas of the toilet. Preferably this is possible when thecleaning member is dry and water is not required to soften the same.

Advantageously, this improves the versatility of the device for cleaningregions or areas, which are otherwise hard to reach if the cleaningmember is three-dimensional. Also, many people clean the dry areas ofthe toilet such as around the rim before they clean the lower wet areasin the bowl. Advantageously, and preferably, the maximum surface of thecleaning member is useable for cleaning whilst still being flushablewhole.

Although varying in precise shape and dimensions, the majority oftoilets comprise three common elements that require regular cleaning,i.e. a rim, a bowl section, and a waste pipe/trap section. The presentinvention provides a disposable cleaning member which has a cleaningsurface and an opposing attachment surface. The cleaning surface atleast, is sufficiently conformable and therefore versatile toeffectively clean each of the three toilet elements identified above.Most previous designs of cleaning member rely upon a three-dimensionalcylindrical, conical, or hemispherical-shaped disposable head. Theseshapes are only beneficial if they are sufficiently flexible to makecontact with the bowl of the toilet and providing sufficient force isapplied thereto. Disadvantageously, such excessive force results in thematerial of these heads ripping.

Preferably, the part of the handle to which the cleaning member isattached is resilient and may comprise a flexible material, for example,rubber or the like. Alternatively and preferably the second end may bearticulated so as to allow movement of the attachment means about atleast one axis of rotation, but preferably in more than one axis whichallows the cleaning end of the device to reach awkward regions of thetoilet, such as under the rim or in the base of the bowl of the toilet.

Typically the attachment means of the handle, in addition to allowingthe effective attachment of the cleaning member with the same, isprovided with articulation means to allow articulation of the cleaningmember and attachment means as a unit with respect to the handle. This,in conjunction with the fact that the attachment means can be providedto be conformable, along with the cleaning member, to the contours ofthe surface which is being cleaned and that the attachment means islocated with a sufficient portion of a surface of the cleaning member toallow the load or force applied via the handle to be spread across thecleaning member, ensures that the cleaning effect of the cleaning memberis uniform across the cleaning surface of the same and hence provides aneffective cleaning action.

Preferably, the handle includes attachment means which are adapted toengage with the cleaning member, preferably upon contact therewith andalignment means can be provided to allow the attachment of the handlewith the cleaning member to be aligned, typically substantiallycentrally with the cleaning member. Advantageously, central alignmentenables a greater surface area of the cleaning member to be utilised andin a balanced manner.

Preferably, the attachment means is adapted to automatically engage withthe cleaning member, preferably on contact therewith. In one embodimentthe attachment means include at least one hook or loop means, which hookor loop means is adapted to engage with at least one hook or loop meansprovided on the cleaning member. Typically a plurality of spaced aparthooks or loop are provided on each of the cleaning member and handle.Preferably, the attachment means extend substantially perpendicular awayfrom the handle attachment means to provide the required amount ofvertical grip on the cleaning member, and a required amount of,typically greater, shear grip on the cleaning member. Hence, theattachment is able to withstand a substantial amount of sideways forceand yet it is relatively easy to disengage the cleaning member from theattachment means.

An advantage of the cleaning device as herein described is that it isvery simple to attach to the second end of the device, i.e. by bringingthe handle attachment means into contact with the cleaning member asopposed to prior art systems, which require greater dexterity andtypically deformation of the cleaning member to grip the same which canresult in the cleaning member being less efficient.

In one embodiment, the cleaning device may comprise first and secondarms, which arms are preferably attached together by a pivot.Preferably, each arm has a first end and a second end. Preferably, thearms are adapted to be pivoted between a first configuration in whichthe first ends of the arms are substantially apart and in which thesecond ends of the arms are substantially together, and a secondconfiguration in which the first ends of the arms are substantiallytogether and in which the second end of the arms are substantiallyapart, preferably in a tongs arrangement. Biasing means adapted to biasthe arms in the first configuration can be provided. The biasing meanscan be in the form of a spring. In this embodiment the first end of eacharm is adapted to be held by a user, preferably in a hand thereof. Thesecond end of the first arm includes the attachment means, which isadapted to engage with the cleaning member typically when the arms arein the first configuration. Hence, a user may hold the first ends of thearms when in the first configuration and bring the second end of thefirst arm into contact with the cleaning member. In one embodiment thesecond end of the second arm is adapted to fit substantially inside thesecond end of the first arm, such that when the arms are in the secondconfiguration, the attachment means is exposed for contact with thecleaning member.

In this embodiment, the second end of the second arm is adapted to ejectthe cleaning member when the arms are moved from the first configurationto the second configuration. In use the user can urge the first ends ofthe arms together thereby causing them to pivot, thereby causing thesecond ends of the arms apart. The second end of the second arm is urgedagainst the cleaning member thereby detaching the cleaning member awayfrom the second end of the first arm.

In a further and preferred embodiment, the part of the handle to begripped by the user includes a movable part or is compressible and isadapted to be compressed or moved selectively by a user.

Typically, the part of the handle for attachment with the cleaningmember includes the ejection means, which is located adjacent theattachment means. In one embodiment the ejection means is in the form ofa resilient member. Preferably, the resilient member is locatedsubstantially in the centre of the attachment means with the attachmentmeans surrounding the ejection means. In one embodiment the ejectionmeans is a resilient diaphragm.

Preferably, the ejection means is adapted to move between a firstposition in which the same is not in contact with the cleaning member,and a second position in which the ejection means contacts the cleaningmember and moves away from the attachment means to push the cleaningmember away from the attachment means. Preferably, when in the firstposition, the ejection means is disposed substantially inside the secondend of the handle. Preferably, the ejection means is adapted to ejectthe cleaning member when it is moved from the first to second positionby the user manipulation of the movement or compressible means on thehandle which is mechanically connected to the ejection means along thehandle. In one embodiment the ejection means is a resilient member in achamber within the handle.

Typically the device includes a handle having a first end adapted to beheld by a user and a second end with attachment means adapted to engagewith the cleaning member. Preferably, the attachment means is locatedaround the circumference of the second end of the handle. Preferably,the handle includes sliding means adapted to slide within the handleunder manual influence with the ejection means for the cleaning memberconnected to part of the sliding means.

Preferably, the device comprises biasing means adapted to bias thesliding means in the first configuration. Preferably, the biasing meanscomprises a spring.

In one embodiment the device includes a magazine in which a plurality ofsaid cleaning members are provided for selective removal from themagazine when attached to the handle of the device. Typically the handlewith the attachment means portion exposed is placed into the magazine toallow the attachment means to contact and attach the exposed cleaningmember in the magazine to remove the same therefrom.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided acleaning member for use with a cleaning device for a toilet bowl saidcleaning member being substantially planar and flushable for disposal inthe toilet bowl.

Preferably, the cleaning member is substantially planar at least at thetime of attachment to the cleaning device but preferably retains thesubstantially planar shape during use due to an inherent resilience ofthe cleaning member and/or support from the attachment means on thesurface of the cleaning member to which the attachment means is applied.

The cleaning member is typically in the form of a cleaning member. Thecleaning member may be fibrous, preferably at points of contact with theattachment means of the cleaning device. In one embodiment the cleaningmember may comprise a foam-like material including at least one voidtherein.

The cleaning member can be substantially oblong or rectangular andtypically a rectangular cleaning member is more flushable than, forexample, a square or circular cleaning member of similar dimensions, asthese latter shapes have a tendency to block the toilet outflow pipe.This is due to the fact that with the two opposing sides significantlylonger than the other two opposing sides, then in the rectangularformat, the natural orientation of the cleaning member in the flow isfor one of the shorter edges to lead in the direction of movement.

Preferably, the width of the cleaning member is less than 60 mm, morepreferably, less than 55 mm and, most preferably less than 50 mm. Thelength of the cleaning member is less than 120 mm, preferably less than100 mm, more preferably, less than 90 mm and, most preferably less than80 mm. The length of the cleaning member is preferably a minimum of 130%of the cleaning member width, and more preferably a minimum of 150%.Typically the cleaning member is no more than 30 mm thick and preferablyup to 15 mm in thickness.

Preferably the cleaning member is of a single layer construction.

Preferably any cleaning chemicals added to the cleaning member aresemi-dry, or more definitively remain in a liquid state howeverconcentrated when all water has been driven away by heat. This ensuresthat any water that makes contact with the stack of cleaning members andsubsequently evaporates, does not allow the cleaning members to ‘fuse’together in use, as they could if the cleaning chemical was inherentlydry or solid when all water has been driven away.

Preferably the majority and more preferably 100% of the cleaningmember's dry weight constituents are either natural mineral orbiodegradable in conditions found within sewage treatment works and thesewer system.

Preferably the cleaning member is substantially formed of materials thatare not readily water soluble or water degradable (i.e. within 5 minutesin water at less than 25 degrees C.).

Preferably the cleaning member is manufactured by spray-applying anaqueous dispersion of polymer binder onto a non-woven fibre substrate.

Preferably the fibre is cellulosic

Preferably the fibre has a minimum titre of substantially 15 dtex.

Preferably the resin binder is inadsorbent, and more preferablyinadsorbent and biodegradable, and more preferably is a starch polymer,an aliphatic polyester, or combination of both.

Preferably the abrasive is considered ‘non-scratch’ on a porcelainsurface and is non-reactive with acidic cleaning chemicals.

Preferably the single web of fibre should be coated with 0-300 gsm spraysolids (dry resin & mineral/filler) on the engagement side, and 100-500gsm dry solids on the cleaning surface.

Preferably the fibre element of the cleaning member structure comprisesa substantial percentage by weight of substantially adsorbent fibres,and more preferably a minimum of 30% adsorbent cellulosic fibre.

Alternatively, the cleaning member may be of a multi-layer constructionincluding any combination of engagement layer, soil barrier layer andcleaning layer. The engagement layer attaches to the handle andcomprises a woven loop scrim or an open structured nonwoven fibre web.The soil barrier layer reduces risk of contamination of the handle andcomprises a fine titre (less than 3 dtex) closely formed non-woven web,or continuous flexible film. The cleaning layer provides abrasion andabsorbency and comprises coarse fibre (at least 15 dtex) or a blend withfine fibre (less than 3 dtex), with or without additional spray-appliedresin-bound abrasive.

The cleaning member can in one embodiment include at least one aperture,slot, channel or cut-out to facilitate the deformation during cleaningand thereafter improve the flushability thereof following cleaning.

The cleaning member may comprise a plurality of smaller cleaning memberswhich are, preferably held in position by the attachment means of thehandle. In this embodiment the smaller cleaning members are detachedseparately for disposal and flush easier than a single larger cleaningmember.

According to a further aspect, there are provided storage means forsupporting at least one cleaning device defined herein when not in useand for storing a plurality of cleaning members as defined herein andwherein the storage means includes a guide to allow the guidedintroduction of the handle into contact with the cleaning members so asto allow the attachment of the handle and a cleaning member to form thecleaning device for use.

Preferably the storage means includes a separation means to facilitatethe attachment of individual cleaning members to the handle in use.

According to a yet further aspect, there is provided a cleaning devicehaving a handle with a first part adapted to be held by a user, and asecond part adapted for attachment of a cleaning member said deviceincluding cleaning member ejection means adapted for selective operationby the user of the device to act against the engagement of theattachment means and the handle and force the cleaning member from theattachment means to allow the cleaning member to be removed fordisposal.

In one embodiment the actuation means for the ejection means is locatedat the portion of the handle gripped by the user and mechanicalactuation is used. In an alternative embodiment a fluid is displacedfrom the handle gripping part to the attachment means on the handle suchthat the cleaning member is ejected from the attachment means of thedevice. In one embodiment the fluid is contained within the device,preferably the body thereof and in one embodiment the fluid is air or isa liquid. In one embodiment the fluid is displaced by a piston-cylinderarrangement wherein the handle includes a cylinder having a pistonslideably mounted therein. The ejection means can include a resilientmember, which preferably comprises a resilient diaphragm.

In which ever embodiment of the invention, the ejection means in thefirst position is disposed substantially inside the handle of thedevice.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a cleaning devicecomprising a handle having a first end adapted to be held by a user anda second end adapted to have a cleaning member attached thereto, andsliding means adapted to move between a first configuration in which thesliding means is not in contact with the cleaning member, and a secondconfiguration in which the sliding means contacts the cleaning member.

Preferably, the sliding means is adapted to eject the cleaning memberwhen it is moved from the first to second configuration. The body maycomprise a first cylinder. The sliding means may comprise a secondcylinder mounted on to the body. Preferably, the second cylinder isadapted to slide along the body. Alternatively, the sliding means maycomprise a member slideably mounted inside the body, one end adapted toslide over the attachment means but not the cleaning member to eject thecleaning member, the other end including a button projecting through thebody to allow the user to operate the same.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of theabove aspects, in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodimentsof the same may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by wayof example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:—

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a cleaningdevice in a first configuration;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of the first embodiment of thecleaning device in a second configuration;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of a second embodiment of thecleaning device in a first configuration;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of the second embodiment of thecleaning device in a second configuration;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the cleaningdevice in a first configuration;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic side view of the third embodiment of thecleaning device in a second configuration;

FIGS. 7 a-7 e show schematic perspective views of various embodiments ofan attachment plate in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 8 a-8 c show schematic plan views of various embodiments of acleaning member;

FIG. 9 shows a enlarged perspective view of the cleaning device shown inFIG. 1; and

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a storage unit for the cleaningdevice.

FIG. 11 shows a three-dimensional view of a fourth embodiment of acleaning device.

FIG. 12 shows a three-dimensional view of a second embodiment of astorage unit.

FIG. 13 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the fourth embodimentof the cleaning device and the second embodiment of the storage unit.

FIG. 14 shows a three-dimensional view of the fourth embodiment of thecleaning device placed in a third embodiment of the storage unit.

FIG. 15 shows a three-dimensional cut-away view of the fourth embodimentof the cleaning device placed in the third embodiment of the storageunit.

FIG. 16 shows an enlarged three-dimensional exploded view of the fourthembodiment of the cleaning device.

FIG. 17 shows a front view of the fourth embodiment of the cleaningdevice being placed in the third embodiment of the storage unit.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of the fourth embodiment of the cleaningdevice being removed from the third embodiment of the storage unit.

FIG. 19 shows a top view of a lower section of a third embodiment of astorage unit.

FIG. 20 shows a cross sectional side view of a further embodiment of thecleaning device in a first configuration;

FIG. 21 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment of the cleaningdevice of FIG. 20 in a further position; and

FIG. 22 illustrates in schematic manner the embodiment of FIGS. 20 and21.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a first embodiment of adomestic cleaning device 2 which can be used for cleaning householdfurniture, in particular the interior of a toilet bowl (not shown).Second and third embodiments of the cleaning device 2 are shown in FIGS.3 and 4, and FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. In each embodiment, the device2 consists of a handle 4 and a fibrous non-woven cleaning member 6,examples of which are illustrated in various embodiments in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 1, the handle 4 of the device 2 consists of an uppermember 8 and a lower member 10 connected together by a hinge 12 whichallows respective movement of the upper and lower members 8,10. In thefirst embodiment of the device 2, the bringing together by a user of theupper and lower members 8,10 on one side of the hinge 12, results in theupper and lower members 8,10 being urged apart on the other side of thehinge 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, an underside of the upper member 8 forms anattachment plate 28, which consists of a series of small downwardlyfacing hooks illustrated as arrows 28 a. The hooks 28 a of theattachment plate 28 engage with fibres and/or voids 38 which make up thecleaning member 6 so that the cleaning member 6 is attached thereto.Embodiments of the cleaning member 6 are illustrated in FIG. 8 and aredescribed hereinafter.

The cleaning member is either woven or non-woven material, or a foammaterial.

In use, a user first arranges the upper and lower members 8,10 of thehandle 4 at the positions where they are gripped such that they areurged apart. This is facilitated by a spring mechanism (not shown) or anatural bias by design which ensures that the device 2 is always readyfor use by a user for convenience. This ensures that the upper and lowermembers 8,10 on the opposite side of the hinge 12 are forced together.The user then very simply touches an upper region of a cleaning member 6with the attachment plate 28 of the handle 4 so that the cleaning member6 is attached thereto as illustrated in FIG. 9. The cleaning member 6shown in FIG. 9 is just one of the embodiments of the cleaning member 6possible. Other embodiments of the cleaning member 6 are shown in FIGS.7 and 8.

The hooks 28 a hook onto and around the fibres 38 or voids of thecleaning member 6. Because the cleaning member 6 forms a relativelylarge fibrous area, it is very easy for the user to attach the cleaningmember 6 to the handle 4 requiring very little dexterity. Hence, theelderly or infirm are able to use the device 2 with ease. An advantageof this mechanism is that there is no need for the user to touch thecleaning member 6 as it is being attached to the handle 4. When attachedtogether, the cleaning member 6 and handle 4 form the complete cleaningdevice 2 which can be used to clean a toilet The cleaning member 6 isflat and substantially two-dimensional and is therefore suitable forcleaning regions of a toilet which are difficult to reach, for example,around the underside of the rim.

Following use of the cleaning member 6, the user then simply ejects thecleaning member 6 from the attachment plate 28 of the handle 4. This isachieved by squeezing together the upper and lower members 8,10 of thehandle 4 at the point where they are held by the user, as illustrated byarrow ‘A’ in FIG. 2. This results in the sections of the upper and lowermembers 8,10 of the handle 4 on the opposite side of the hinge 12 beingforced apart The result of this is that the lower handle member 10 isurged against the cleaning member 6 in a direction as shown by arrow Bin FIG. 2, with sufficient force to unhook the hooks 28 a of theattachment plate 28 from the fibres/voids 38 of the cleaning member 6.The cleaning member 6 is physically urged away from the underside of thehandle 4 in a desired direction, for example, into the bowl of thetoilet. An advantage of this mechanism is that there is no need for theuser to touch the cleaning member 6 at all once it has been used toclean the toilet. Therefore, use of the device 2 is hygienic and safe.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a second embodiment of thecleaning device 2. The handle 4 consists of a bulbous head section 14,which tapers into a central rigid neck section 16, and a head section18. The underside of the head section 18 consists of a centrally mountedflexible diaphragm 20 which is surrounded by the attachment plate 28.The diaphragm can flex in and out of the head section 18. The attachmentplate of the second embodiment of the device 2 consists of a series ofdownwardly projecting hooks 28 a arranged around the diaphragm 20.

In use, a user attaches a cleaning member 6 to the attachment plate 28of the handle 4 in the same way as described above in respect of thefirst embodiment, i.e. by simply touching the underside of the headsection 18 and, hence, attachment plate onto a cleaning member 6. Thehooks 28 a engage with the fibres/voids 38 on the surface of thecleaning member 6 thereby maintaining it in position. As with the firstembodiment, there is no need for the user to touch the cleaning member 6or head section 18 by hand during attachment.

The three sections of the handle 14,16,18 are hollow and filled withair. In addition, the body section 14 of the handle 4 is made of aflexible compressible material, for example, rubber. In order todislodge the cleaning member 6 from the attachment plate 28, the usersimply squeezes the compressible body 14 as illustrated by arrow ‘C’shown in FIG. 4. This results in the air inside the body 14 being forceddown through the neck 16 of the device 2 towards the head section 18.The shift in air pressure within the head section 18 causes thediaphragm 20 to move outwardly in the direction of arrow ‘D’ shown inFIG. 4. The result of this is that the soiled cleaning member 6 isunhooked from the hooks 28 a and urged away from the attachment plate28. As with the first embodiment, the cleaning member 6 can be directedinto the toilet or a refuse bin (not shown). In addition, there is noneed for the user to handle the soiled cleaning member 6 once it hasbeen used.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown a third embodiment of thecleaning device 2. The device 2 consists of an elongate inner tube 22 atone end of which there is attached a flexible end 22 a. The attachmentplate 28 is formed around the end of the flexible end 22 a and consistsof a number of attachment hooks 28 a. The device 2 further consists ofan outer tube 24, which is slideable around the outside of the innertube 22. The inner and outer tubes 22, 24 are approximately the samelength. A stopper 26 is provided at the end of the inner tube 22 distalfrom the attachment plate 28. The stopper 26 is connected via aninternal screw thread (not shown) to the attachment plate 28 and isprovided as a means to remotely detach the attachment plate 28 from theend of the flexible end 22 a.

As shown in FIG. 5, a cleaning member 6 can be attached very simply ontothe end of the attachment plate 28 on the end of the inner tube 22 bymovement of the outer tube 24 back so that the attachment plate 28 onthe end of the inner tube 22 is exposed. The attachment plate 28 is thenbrought into contact with the cleaning member 6. The hooks 28 a engagewith the fibres/voids 38 in the cleaning member 6 resulting inattachment thereof. The end 22 a is flexible which allows a user tomanipulate the end 22 a and hence, cleaning member 6 into awkwardregions of a toilet.

As shown in FIG. 6, a user can simply eject the cleaning member 6 fromthe end of the inner tube 22 by sliding the outer tube 24 in a directiontowards the attachment plate 28 as illustrated by arrow ‘E’. The resultis that outer tube 24 is urged against the top of the cleaning member 6which is then forced away from the tubes 22,24 in a direction of arrow‘F’ as shown in FIG. 6. Hence, as with the other two embodiments shownin FIGS. 1-4, the cleaning member 6 may very simply be attached to theattachment plate 28 of the device, and ejected therefrom after usewithout any need for the user to touch the cleaning member 6 eitherbefore or after use. This embodiment of the device 2 also has aresilient spring (not shown) which pulls the outer tube 24 back over theinner tube 22 so that the device is always ready for use by a user.

The hooks 28 a on the attachment plate 28 effectively hook underneaththe fibres/voids 38 of the cleaning member 6 such that the cleaningmember 6 is maintained in position when used to dean the toilet.Constant pressure is normally applied to the handle 4, and hence, thecleaning member 6, during the cleaning operation. After use, each of thethree ejection mechanisms ensure that there is no need for the user toever touch the soiled cleaning member 6.

Referring to FIG. 7, there are shown enlarged views of variousembodiments of the attachment plate 28. The attachment plate 28 can formeither a continuous cleaning surface as shown in FIG. 7 d, or includevarious shaped holes 30.

In FIG. 8, there are shown various embodiments of the cleaning member 6.In each embodiment, the cleaning member 6 consists of a fibrous networkof woven or non-woven material, or foam or the like. The cleaning member6 can be manufactured out of a material which is sufficiently tough toallow it to be used to clean a toilet or other surface. Normally, it ispreferred that the material is biodegradable and non-hazardous so thatit can be flushed down the toilet following use. The cleaning member 6is normally rectangular in shape and relatively planar such that it canbe manoeuvred into small areas not otherwise reachable by morethree-dimensional cleaning members 6. The cleaning member 6 may be madeentirely of a network of fibres 38, or alternatively, a fibrous layerhaving voids to which the hooks 28 a of the attachment plate 28 mayengage.

The cleaning member 6 can have a series of slots 32 which extend thereacross. The slots 32 are provided to facilitate the disposal of thecleaning member 6 by flushing down the toilet. The design of thecleaning member 6 is such that it has sufficient strength to enduresubstantial pressure during the cleaning process, but also can break upand disperse as it is flushed. The position and length of the slots 32are such that the attachment plate 28 keeps the cleaning member 6together as one piece while it is used for cleaning. However, followinguse, the cleaning member 6 is ejected from the attachment plate 6 sothat the slots 32 are not held together any longer. This facilitates thebreaking up of the cleaning member 6. It is envisaged that the cleaningmember 6 could consist of more than 1 cleaning member, for example, foursmaller cleaning members. In this case, the attachment plate 28 keepsthe four smaller cleaning members together in position as a singlecleaning member 6. Following use, the four smaller cleaning membersdisperse as they are flushed down the toilet.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown the action of engagement of thehooks 28 a of the attachment plate 28 with a cleaning member 6. Thehandle 8 shown in FIG. 9 is that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.1 and 2. In addition, the cleaning member 6 shown in FIG. 9 is just oneof the many possible embodiments of cleaning member 6. However, itshould be appreciated that mechanism of attachment is essentially thesame for all of the three embodiments of handle 4 and cleaning member 6.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a storage unit 34 in which a numberof cleaning members 6 and the handle 4 can be stored when not in use.The unit holds a number of unused cleaning members 6.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13 & 16, there is shown a fourth embodiment of acleaning device 2 and corresponding second embodiment of a storage unit34. The device 2 consists of an elongate tube 40 which substantiallyencloses an elongate member 42. Elongate tube 40 comprises two halves 40a, 40 b which are snap-fitted, screwed, glued, or otherwise heldtogether. Elongate tube 40 includes ribs 58 to aid guidance into storageunit 34. Elongate member 42 has a projection 44 which projects throughan opening 46 in the elongate tube 40 and which can be actuated to movethe elongate member 42 along the elongate tube 40, and biasing means tobias the elongate member 42 in a particular direction. An attachmentmember 56 including substantially parallel connected plates 28, 48 ispivotally mounted on the end of elongate tube 40. Elongate member 42 isconnected to ejection means 52 via an opening in plate 48. Ejectionmeans 52 includes an elongate member 54 and an ejection plate 50 whichis adapted to slide over plates 28 but not plates 48. Attachment plates28 include hooks for engagement with a cleaning member 6 as heretobeforedescribed. In use, a cleaning member 6 is attached to the attachmentplates 28 for cleaning, the pivotally mounted member 56 assisting thisfunction, and when finished the user ejects the cleaning member 6 bysliding button 44 forward, in the opposite direction to which it isbiased by a spring basing means, which in turn slides ejection plate 50over attachment plates 28, from a position where it is proximal to plate48 and flush or less than flush to attachment plates 28 to a positionwhere it is more than flush to attachment plates 28, thereby forcing thecleaning member 6 off attachment plates 28.

The storage unit 34 may hold a number of unused cleaning members 6 at anangle to the base e.g. 30 degrees, and parallel to the attachment plate28 when the same is placed in the storage unit 34. This allows thecleaning member 6 to engage the attachment plate 28 on contact withoutfurther action by the user. The storage unit 34 includes a door 60 toallow refilling of cleaning members 6. The door can be attached in anumber of standard ways, such as snap-fit, slideable mounting, hinges,etc. Openings 62 in the door or other parts of the storage unit 34 allowthe user to see how many cleaning members 6 are contained in the storageunit 34. The storage unit includes a rim 64 to prevent cleaning members6 from falling out accidentally if for example the storage unit 34 wasinverted, and slots 66 to guide the ribs 58 of the cleaning device 2into the storage unit 34.

Referring to FIGS. 14-15 & 17-19, there is shown a fourth embodiment ofa cleaning device 2 and corresponding alternative third embodiment of astorage unit 34. Storage unit is comprised of two sections 34 a, 34 bwhich are held together by snap-fit, clips, and/or hinges and theopening of which facilitating the replacement of a cartridge 68 ofcleaning members 6 held therein.

When the cleaning device 2 is placed in the storage unit 34, theattachment plates 28 of the cleaning device 2 are aligned with thecleaning member 6 by the ribs 58 in the slots 66, the same also securingthe cleaning device 2 in an upright position.

As the cleaning device 2 is removed from the storage unit 34, the ribs58 disengage from the slots 66 allowing the cleaning device to movetowards the user. If the user pulls the cleaning device 2 too far up thestorage unit 34, the attachment member 56 contacts deflection ribs 70,so as to guide the end of the cleaning device 2 with the attachmentmember 56 out of the opening of the storage unit 34 without foulingand/or disengaging the cleaning member 6.

The storage unit 34 includes two or more interference ribs 72 in contactwith the outer surface of the cartridge 68 of cleaning members 6,deforming the cartridge wall such that the cleaning members are grippedslightly by the inner surface of the cartridge 68. The cartridge 68 issufficiently flexible to allow such deformation, being manufactured fromcard, film and/or the like, and creating the effect that the cartridgeis ‘nipped’ in the middle. As the cleaning members 6 have a naturaltendency to stick together, the interference ribs 72 allow the cleaningmembers 6 to be removed one at a time in use. A further embodimentincludes a cartridge 68 provided with interference ribs to achieve asimilar result to that hereinbefore described.

Referring to FIGS. 20-22, there is shown a further embodiment of thecleaning end of the cleaning device 2. In this case the device handlecomprises two halves 40 a, 40 b, substantially enclosing an elongatemember 42 which passes downward to the attachment means 56. Theattachment means 56 is also shown which includes attachment plates 28.The elongate member 42, at the lower end, adjacent the attachment means,is configured so as to have a central section 54 which has a supportingrib 55, and two arms 57, 59 to either side of the central section. Thefree range of pivotal movement of the attachment means 56 when used forcleaning and/or the attachment of a cleaning member thereto is definedby the ability of the arms 57,59 to pivot with the barrel 61. Thecentral section 54 is separate form the arms by the slots 63 and ishoused in the chamber 41 formed by first half 40 a of the handle and theextended wall of the second half 40 b of the handle.

If desired, biasing means may also be included to bias the resilientelongate member 42 in a particular direction.

To eject a cleaning member, the elongate member 42 is actuated to movedownwardly with respect to the handle and attachment means and as itdoes so the member 42 moves as a unit in that the arms 57, 59 andcentral section 54 all move in the same direction and plane through thebarrel 61 which acts to bring the same together. The provision of thestrengthening rib 55 acts to further strengthen member 42 when used forejection as illustrated in FIG. 22. The downward movement passes throughthe attachment means 56 and causes the ejection means to provide anejection force to remove the cleaning member from the attachment means56. This causes the ejection of the cleaning member from the attachmentmeans 56 as hereinbefore described.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show the configurations of the cleaning device 2 in usefor cleaning in cross section. In this arrangement the resilient member42 have the arms 57, 59 locating with the attachment means 56 and allowpivotal movement of the same while the central section 54 does not exerta restraining force on the attachment means and lies in the chamber 41defined by the parts 40 a and 40 b in the chamber. FIG. 20 shows theattachment means in a position for use to dean and FIG. 21 shows theconfiguration of the cleaning device 2 in position for the device to beplaced into a complementary storage unit (not shown) to allow theattachment of a cleaning member in the storage unit onto the attachmentmeans and the lifting of the cleaning member from the storage unit foruse.

1. While in cleaning use the attachment means is pivotally moveable withrespect to the resilient member 42 about the arms 57,59 and when in theejection mode, when it is important that an increased degree of rigidityis provided. This is achieved by the combination of the downward forceapplied as described and the barrel 61 such that the member 42 as itmoves through the pivot location comprises the arms 57,59 and centralsection 54 restricted to move as a unitary member and in only one,downward direction and therefore apply a single unitary force. Thisprovides the required strength and rigidity to allow the ejection meansto operate efficiently and with sufficient strength to cause theejection of the cleaning member from the attachment means to beachieved. Thus, in applying the ejection force to the cleaning member toremove the same from the attachment means the arms act in conjunctionwith the further portion of the resilient member 42 to apply theejection force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planein which the attachment means lie and the attachment means liessubstantially parallel with the cleaning member so as to allow theejection force to be applied uniformly across the cleaning pad to allowejection and hence removal of the cleaning member to be achieved.

One of the key features of this invention is to provide an attachmentmechanism between the reusable handle 4 and disposable cleaning member 6that is easy to engage with only the use of the user's hand in theintended position on the handle. Therefore the device 2 consists of theattachment means 28, located at the far end of the reusable handle 4which features a series of protruding hooks 28 a. These low profilehooks 28 a engage with the fibres/continuous filaments 38 featured onthe upper surface layer of the cleaning member 6. Whilst it is intendedthat the user positions, and presses the attachment plate 28 onto thecentre of the cleaning member 6, it is not critical exactly wherecontact is made, thereby requiring only a minimum level of dexterity.

The option exists for the attachment plate 28 to be replaceable from theend of the handle 4, should it become soiled or damaged. The attachmentplate 28 can consist of either (i) a supporting plate (not shown) ontowhich a cut section of hook tape from a suitable existing Hook and Loopfastening system is mounted, or (ii) a single injection mouldedcomponent as shown in the Figures. The option of a bespoke moulded hook28/fibre 38 system would enable the following improvements to beengineered:—

-   -   1) The hook 28 a profile geometry and spacing may be engineered        to provide only a minimum degree of adhesion, i.e. sufficient to        safely engage the cleaning member 6 and lift it from within        water in the toilet in a fully saturated state. This could be        achieved by reducing the degree of engagement of each hook 28 a        and fibre 38, and by the reduction in surface density of hooks        28 a and fibres 38. This may reduce the risk of any shed fibres        38 or cleaning member residue remaining within the hooks 28 a        when the cleaning member 6 is disengaged, and potentially        prolong the usefull life of the hooks 28 a. Additionally,        disengagement of the cleaning member 6 will be easier, affording        flexibility in the design of the ejector mechanism. Even with a        considerably reduced degree of engagement, the fastening system        will deliver more than adequate sheer strength, whilst cleaning.    -   2) The attachment plate 28 can be vented with a series of        apertures 30 (see FIGS. 7 a & 7 e) to allow water flow to help        removal of any residual fibres 38 which may be trapped within        the hooks 28 a.

Another key aspect of this invention has been the development of adisposable cleaning member 6 which is not only easy to mount onto thehandle 4, i.e. by simply touching the top surface of the cleaning member6 with the handle's attachment plate 28, but is very simple and economicto produce. Alternative designs, particularly those involving a 3Dshaped head engaged by a friction fit, involve a single or multi-stagemoulding/fabrication process. A moulding or fabrication process willalmost certainly result in significant greater costs in both unit andinvestment capital terms. In contrast, a flat, single layer, roll ofcleaning material can be very simply converted into the small cleaningmembers 6 of the preferred dimensions.

A key feature of this invention is to utilise a material constructionthat will deal effectively with most toilet cleaning tasks combined withthe preferred geometry. The desired characteristics can be summarised asfollows:—

-   -   1) Absorbency—for wiping action to remove loose soil from        surface with minimum smearing;    -   2) Abrasion—to help remove hardened stains and lime-scale        build-up;    -   3) Instant conformability—to easily conform under pressure to        the contour of the surface being cleaned. This is possible when        the cleaning member 6 is dry, i.e. water is not required;    -   4) Rigidity—sufficiently rigid to be self-supporting when        saturated, and transfer applied pressure through the cleaning        member to unsupported areas;    -   5) Strength—to endure most demanding tasks for a relatively        prolonged period, for example, 2 minutes.    -   6) A dehydrated chemical cleaning formula can be incorporated in        the cleaning member 6 to replace and/or supplement the use of        separate cleaning chemicals.

Many previously submitted designs appear to provide adequate levels ofabsorbency. However, the levels of abrasion, strength (for the maximumlife in use) and balance of conformability/rigidity have until now beeninadequate to match or even improve upon the cleaning efficacy of abristle-based toilet brush.

As water solubility and degradation has been considered unreliable toprovide instant flushability after use, the cleaning member 6 mustremain whole and intact for at least the maximum demand likely to berequired of the cleaning member 6. This has been loosely defined as 2minutes under constant agitation, under 500 grams plus of constant firmpressure whilst saturated in tepid water against the porcelain bowlsurface. The scope of this invention allows the use of two materialbreakdown specifications, i.e. (i) the disposable cleaning member 6 doesnot measurably breakdown whilst within the sewage disposal system; or(ii) the cleaning member 6 is designed to commence breakdown a shorttime after the equivalent maximum demand is placed upon it.

The second option is the preferred material specification as it providesan added degree of safety against any potential blockage within thesewage system. Whilst the configuration of geometry and cleaning membermass should ensure the complete cleaning member 6 will always flushwithout causing obstruction there is the possible risk in areas of lowvolume water flow that cleaning members 6 could settle and build upwithin the sewer over time. It is therefore preferable that the materialbegins to degrade as soon after flushing as possible.

In addition to the material construction options identified above, therate of breakdown can be accelerated to varying degrees by the inclusionof the slots or cut lines 32 during production. It is important thesecut lines 32 are configured in patterns that work with the chosen hook28 a layout of the attachment plate 28 or fastener plate, to ensure thecleaning member 6 does not breakdown during use, or when disengaged.

The disposable cleaning member 6 can be made from biodegradablematerials although this is not essential. In addition, the cleaningmember 6 is made from a non-woven substrate. However, it is possiblethat an alternative substrate could be used such as foam or a wovenfabric. If required the material provides an open structure of randomlyarranged cross members which allow the hooks 28 a to attach or engage.This can be fibrous or foam.

The material used for the cleaning member 6 depends on the chosenbreakdown characteristics required.

For example, the disposable cleaning member 6 is based on a single layerconstruction of non-woven material. Biodegradable fibres 38 are formedinto a “high-loft” web, for example, carded and lightly needle punchbonded. This web may be composed of a cellulose fibre e.g. ViscoseRayon, or a Viscose/poly lactic acid fibre blend. The high loft web isthen spray bonded and heat cured to create a strong matrix of resinbonded fibres 38. The resin is a partially hydrolysed PVOH which isapplied in solution. A natural mineral, or biodegradable grit, forexample, chalk/ground nut shell may be added to the spray solution foradded abrasion.

The result of such a process is that the high loft web structure enablesthe engagement of the hooks 28 a, by virtue of the relatively wide, deepspacing between fibres 38, throughout the thickness of the cleaningmember 6. The resin binder ensures a strong bond during cleaning, andminimizes fibre entrapment in the hooks 28 a after disengagement Theresin binder and the inclusion of soft grit particles provide thedesired level of abrasion to lift stubborn stains, but not scratch theporcelain surface. The resin binder blend delivers a retarded level ofsolubility which is engineered to commence breakdown only afterflushing. As there is only a low level of mechanical bond, the materialstructure will breakdown into small particles, and eventually individualfibres after the binder has dissolved. The fabric structure and densitydelivers an optimal mass for flushing.

An alternative method of delivering each of the attributes above is touse an insoluble binder, and use partially hydrolysed PVOH fibre blendedwith Viscose/PLA. This would enable partial breakdown of the cleaningmember 6 in the sewer as part of the fibre structure degrades/dissolvesat time of ejection or in the liquid after ejection from the attachmentmeans.

The material can also include a two-layer construction in which a toplayer utilises a woven loop scrim made from continuous yarn. This hasthe benefit of being least likely to shed after disengagement from thefastening hooks 28 a, as it is not constructed from individual,relatively short fibres 38. The second layer could be manufacturedutilising a similar process described above, but using an insolublebinder. This would deliver the required abrasion, handle and feelcharacteristics. Alternatively, the second layer could be produced usingother non-woven methods, with abrasion provided by means of a finishingprocess.

The hook 28 and fibre 38 fastening method enables a number of ejectionmechanisms to be considered as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6. It is mostimportant that the ejector mechanism cleanly removes the complete soiledcleaning member 6 after use. The arrangement of the interface betweenthe attachment plate 28 and cleaning member 6 is important to ensure theminimum amount of residual fibres 38 are held within the hooks 28 a. Inthe event that residual fibres 38 build up within the proximity of thehooks 28 a of the attachment plate 28, or if the plate 28 becomes eitherdamaged or soiled, an alternative design is to provide a mechanism bywhich the plate 28 or plate can be remotely dismounted without the needfor the user to grip the plate directly.

In addition to the optional ejector mechanisms shown in the Figures,there are two other handle 4 design considerations that have asignificant relevance to cleaning performance of the device 2. Forexample, a cleaning preparation dispensing arrangement (not shown)within the handle, either (i) in the form of a detachable container(disposable or refillable), or (ii) a cavity within the handle 4 thatcan be filled as required by the user or a disposable handle filled withliquid, gel or mousse. This mechanism can dispense the preparationeither through the disposable cleaning member 6, or directly onto thetoilet bowl surface. As a further option the cleaning members cane beimpregnated or coated with a cleaning material which may be susceptibleto environment conditions and in which case the cleaning members can besealed in packaging from environmental conditions prior to use.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which arefiled concurrently with or previous to this specification in connectionwith this application and which are open to public inspection with thisspecification, and the contents of all such papers and documents areincorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including anyaccompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps ofany method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination,except combinations where at least some of such features and/or stepsare mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanyingclaims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative featuresserving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly statedotherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each featuredisclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent orsimilar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoingembodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novelcombination, of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, orany novel combination, of the steps of any method or process sodisclosed.

1. A cleaning device including a handle adapted to be held by a user, aflushable cleaning member selectively attached thereto via attachmentmeans on the handle, said handle incorporating a cleaning memberejection means operable by the user to detach the cleaning member fromthe handle to allow disposal of the cleaning member after use andwherein the cleaning member has a cleaning surface and an opposingattachment surface and said attachment means attaches to the attachmentsurface of the cleaning member.
 2. A cleaning device according to claim1 wherein the cleaning member is disposable by removing the same fromthe handle and flushing down a toilet.
 3. A cleaning device according toclaim 1 wherein the cleaning member is elongate in form.
 4. A cleaningdevice according to claim 1 wherein the cleaning member handle includesan elongate member located along the handle, said elongate memberconnected to the attachment means via first and second spaced armsprovided as part of a resilient member, said resilient memberselectively movable with respect to the attachment means to apply anejection force to the cleaning member to remove the same from theattachment means and, to apply the ejection force, the arms act inconjunction with a further portion of the resilient member to apply theejection force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planein which the attachment means lie.
 5. A cleaning device according toclaim 1 wherein a longitudinal axis of the cleaning member is greater inlength than the longest axis perpendicular thereto.
 6. A cleaning deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the cleaning member is substantially flat.7. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein at least the cleaningsurface of the cleaning member is curved.
 8. A cleaning device accordingto claim 1 wherein the cleaning member includes at least one line ofweakening to facilitate the folding of the cleaning member about said atleast one line during disposal of the member.
 9. A cleaning deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the cleaning member has fracture linesprovided to allow the cleaning member to be separated into a number ofparts when ejected from the attachment means or under the influence ofwater flow and/or degradation.
 10. A cleaning device according to claim1 wherein the cleaning member includes cleaning materials impregnated orpositioned therein.
 11. A cleaning device according to claim 1 whereinthe cleaning member has a multi-layer construction including any or anycombination of an attachment layer, soil barrier layer and cleaninglayer.
 12. A cleaning device according to claim 11 wherein theattachment layer includes a woven loop scrim or an open structurednon-woven fibre fiber web.
 13. A cleaning device according to claim 1wherein the cleaning member includes a plurality of smaller cleaningmember parts which are held in position by the attachment means of thehandle.
 14. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaningmember can be ejected from the attachment means and instantly flushablefor disposal down a toilet bowl.
 15. A cleaning device according toclaim 1 wherein the device includes a storage device for supporting thehandle of the cleaning device when not in use and for storing aplurality of cleaning members in a stack for selective attachment insequence to the handle.
 16. A cleaning device according to claim 15wherein the storage means includes a guide to allow the guidedintroduction of the handle into contact with the top cleaning member inthe stack so as to allow the attachment of the handle with the cleaningmember to form the cleaning device for use when removed from the storagemeans.
 17. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the attachmentmeans lies substantially in line with the attachment surface of thecleaning member.
 18. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe cleaning member is substantially planar.
 19. A cleaning device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the cleaning member is resilientlydeformable.
 20. A cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein theattachment means are conformable to the shape of the surface to becleaned.
 21. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein theattachment means is adapted to engage with matching attachment means onthe attachment surface of the cleaning member.
 22. A cleaning device asclaimed in claim 21 wherein the attachment means is adapted toautomatically engage with the cleaning member on contact therewith. 23.A cleaning device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the attachment meanson the handle and the attachment surface of the cleaning member includehook and loop fastening means.
 24. A cleaning device according to claim22 wherein upon contact, hooking means are moved into the cleaningmember to engage the same.
 25. A cleaning device according to claim 23wherein the attachment means automatically engage with the attachmentsurface of the cleaning member on contact therewith without the need forrelative movement between the attachment means and the surface of thecleaning member.
 26. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 wherein theattachment means engages the cleaning member without significantdeformation of the cleaning member.
 27. A cleaning device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the handle of the device has first and second arms eachwith first and second ends, said first ends provided to be gripped bythe user.
 28. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the armsare adapted to be pivoted between a first configuration in which thefirst ends of the arms are substantially apart and in which the secondends of the arms are substantially together, and a second configurationin which the first ends of the arms are substantially together and inwhich the second ends of the arms are substantially apart.
 29. Acleaning device as claimed in claim 26 wherein the attachment means areconnected to the handle to allow articulation with movement of theattachment means with respect to the handle about at least one axis ofrotation.
 30. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 29 wherein theattachment means is movable with respect to the handle freely within adefined area of movement and further movement is possible against aresilient force.
 31. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 wherein theattachment means is provided with a plate or plates with engagementformations on the cleaning member located thereon.
 32. A cleaning deviceaccording to claim 31 wherein the plate or plates are movable about atleast one axis or rotation with respect to the remainder of theattachment means to allow conformability with changes in the attachmentsurface of the cleaning member in use.
 33. A cleaning device accordingto claim 1 wherein the attachment means includes an ejection meansmovable between a retracted position in which an end of the same isflush with or retracted from the attachment means, and an extendedposition in which the free end of the ejection means extends beyond theattachment means to push the cleaning member from engagement with theattachment means.
 34. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 33, whereina part of the handle is selectively movable by the user to causemovement of the ejection means.
 35. A cleaning device as claimed inclaim 34 wherein the ejection means is connectable with but spaced fromthe movement means on the handle.
 36. A cleaning device as claimed inclaim 18, wherein the ejection means is a resilient member.
 37. Acleaning device as claimed in claim 36, wherein the resilient member isadapted to move between a first position in which the member is not incontact with the cleaning member, and a second position in which themember contacts the cleaning member.
 38. A cleaning device as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the attachment means contacts with a range of 40-80% ofthe area of the attachment surface of the cleaning member and providessupport therefore.
 39. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe handle includes sliding means adapted to slide along the handlebetween a first position in which the sliding means is not in contactwith the cleaning member, and a second position in which the slidingmeans contacts the cleaning member to eject the cleaning member.
 40. Acleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the handle includes or hasattached thereto a reservoir of cleaning material, said cleaningmaterial provided in a controlled manner to flow onto the cleaningmember when attached to the handle to allow the application of thecleaning material onto the surface being cleaned.
 41. A cleaning deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein said cleaning member being disposable byflushing down a toilet.
 42. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 42,wherein the cleaning member has a cleaning surface and opposingattachment surface and is elongate in form.
 43. A cleaning device asclaimed in claim 41, wherein the cleaning member is a cleaning memberwhich unless flexed by a force applied thereto, retains a substantiallyflat configuration.
 44. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 41 whereinthe cleaning member is fibrous.
 45. A cleaning device as claimed inclaim 41 wherein a longitudinal axis of the cleaning member is greaterin length than the longest axis perpendicular thereto.
 46. A cleaningdevice according to claim 41 wherein the cleaning member issubstantially flat.
 47. A cleaning device according to claim 41 whereinat least the cleaning surface of the cleaning member is curved.
 48. Acleaning device as claimed in claim 41, wherein the cleaning memberincludes at least one line of weakening to facilitate the folding of thecleaning member about said line during flushing.
 49. A cleaning deviceaccording to claim 41 wherein fracture lines are provided so as to allowthe cleaning member to be separated into a number of parts when ejectedfrom the attachment means or under the influence of water flow and/ordegradation.
 50. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein thewidth of the cleaning member is less than 60 nm, the length of thecleaning member is less than 120 mm.
 51. A cleaning device according toclaim 41 wherein the length of the cleaning member is a minimum of 130%of the cleaning member width and of a width of no more than 15 mm.
 52. Acleaning device according to claim 41 wherein the cleaning member is ofa single layer construction.
 53. A cleaning device according to claim 41wherein the cleaning member includes cleaning materials impregnated orpositioned therein.
 54. A cleaning device according to claim 53 whereinthe cleaning materials added are semi-dry, or more definitively remainin a liquid state however concentrated when all water has been drivenaway by heat.
 55. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein thecleaning member has a multi-layer construction including any combinationof attachment layer, soil barrier layer and cleaning layer.
 56. Acleaning device according to claim 55 wherein the attachment layerincludes a woven loop scrim or an open structured non-woven fiber web.57. A cleaning device according to claim 41 wherein the cleaning memberincludes a plurality of smaller cleaning members which are preferablyheld in position by the attachment means of the handle.
 58. A cleaningdevice according to claim 41 wherein upon ejection from the handle thecleaning member can be instantly flushed for disposal down a toiletbowl.
 59. A cleaning device according to claim 58 wherein the cleaningmember is instantly flushable without any prior treatment of thecleaning member
 60. A method of cleaning by wiping a cleaning memberheld on a handle along a surface, the method comprising: using acleaning device having a handle adapted to be held by a user, aflushable cleaning member selectively attached thereto via attachmentmeans on the handle said handle incorporating a cleaning member ejectionmeans operable by the user to detach the cleaning member from the handleto allow disposal of the cleaning member after use and wherein thecleaning member has a cleaning surface and an opposing attachmentsurface and said attachment means attaches to the attachment surface ofthe cleaning member.
 61. Storage means for supporting at least onehandle for a cleaning device when not in use and for storing a pluralityof cleaning members for selective attachment in sequence and wherein thestorage means includes a guide to allow the guided introduction of thehandle into contact with the cleaning member so as to allow theattachment of the handle and a cleaning member to form the cleaningdevice for use.
 62. A cleaning device having a handle with a first partadapted to be held by a user, and a second part adapted for attachmentof a cleaning member said device including cleaning member ejectionmeans adapted for selective operation by the user of the device via thehandle to act against the engagement of the attachment means and thehandle and force the cleaning member from the attachment means to allowthe cleaning member to be removed for disposal.
 63. A cleaning device asclaimed in claim 62 wherein a fluid is contained within the handle toactuate the ejection means.